J.J. Watt wants to 'hit it hard next season' after grueling rehab for broken leg

SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Lindsay H. Jones breaks down the matchups that every NFL fan should make sure to watch this weekend.
USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Watt, using a cane as he continues his recovery from a tibial plateau fracture, helped raise more than $36 million for relief after starting the humanitarian effort with a goal of $250,000.(Photo: Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports)

That's not to say the four-time Pro Bowler hasn't stayed busy during his injury layoff. Since suffering a broken leg in Week 5, Watt raised more than $37 million in relief funds following the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, an effort Watt says he was "honored" to play a part in.

The three-time NFL defensive player of the year underwent surgery following his tibial plateau fracture sustained in the Texans' 42-34 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in October. He does about four hours of rehabilitation daily, and says he feels himself making progress.

Nevertheless, Watt says the most important element of his recovery is staying positive. It's not always easy -- "I am devastated," he tweeted after his injury -- but he sees the light at the end of the tunnel.

"All of us in rehab, we're all looking ahead to 2018," Watt says. "Taking it one step at a time, making sure we stay positive so we can hit it hard next season."

Jose Altuve (left), who helped lead the Houston Astros to their first World Series, and J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, who raised money for Hurricane Harvey relief, share the 2017 Sports Illustrated Sportspersons of the Year honor.
Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports

Joel Embiid, Jose Altuve, J. J. Watt and Carlos Beltran (from left to right) arrive for the 2017 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Award Show at Barclays Center in New York City.
ANGELA WEISS, AFP/Getty Images

SportsKid of the Year Maxwel "Bunchie" Young - already being looked at by major college football programs at just 10, greets Rising Star recipient Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Watt, using a cane as he continues his recovery from a tibial plateau fracture, helped raise more than $36 million for relief after starting the humanitarian effort with a goal of $250,000.
Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports

Jose Altuve, named the AL MVP, also made an enormous impact on the Houston area, still reeling from the hurricane's destruction. He was the catalyst for an Astros team that brought the city its first World Series championship.
Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Beltran, who received the Hope Award, also was a member of the Houston Astros' World Series team and helped raise money for Hurricane Maria relief in his native Puerto Rico.
Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images for SI